Expanding Financial Literacy and Empowerment: Increasing Awareness and Use of ABLE Accounts for Americans with Disabilities

The Administration for Community Living (ACL), within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services through the Administration on Disabilities and the Office of Disability Services Innovation, has issued a funding opportunity titled Expanding Financial Literacy and Empowerment: Increasing Awareness and Use of ABLE Accounts for Americans with Disabilities. This program is authorized under the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act of 2000 as part of Projects of National Significance. It reflects a federal priority to strengthen financial security for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities by expanding access to financial tools and improving financial literacy nationwide. The purpose of this three-year cooperative agreement is to increase enrollment in ABLE accounts while simultaneously improving financial literacy among people with disabilities and their families. ABLE accounts are tax-advantaged savings vehicles that allow individuals with disabilities to save funds for qualified disability-related expenses without jeopardizing eligibility for key public benefits. The program addresses a significant national gap, as only a small percentage of eligible individuals currently utilize these accounts, despite their potential to enhance long-term financial independence and stability. Funding will support a coordinated national strategy that includes embedding ABLE education into key life decision points, expanding community-based outreach, and implementing a national marketing campaign. Applicants are expected to design and implement a three-pronged approach that integrates financial literacy education into systems such as education, employment, healthcare, and social services. Activities may include developing training materials, conducting outreach campaigns, establishing partnerships, and building workforce capacity to support enrollment and usage of ABLE accounts. However, funds cannot be used for construction, direct financial contributions to individual ABLE accounts, lobbying, or unrelated marketing activities. Eligibility is limited to domestic public or private nonprofit entities, including state and local governments, tribal organizations, institutions of higher education, hospitals, faith-based organizations, and community-based organizations. Individuals and foreign entities are not eligible to apply. The program does not require cost sharing, and any voluntary matching contributions will not be considered during review or included in award decisions. The application process requires submission through Grants.gov and includes a detailed project narrative, budget narrative, and required federal forms. Applicants must also maintain active registrations in SAM.gov and Grants.gov. The project narrative is the primary evaluation component and must address the problem statement, goals, intervention strategy, evaluation plan, and organizational capacity. Applications are evaluated based on criteria including purpose and need, approach, impact, organizational capability, and budget justification. The application deadline is August 3, 2026, with an optional notice of intent due July 15, 2026. Awards are expected to be made by September 30, 2026, with the project period beginning immediately thereafter and continuing for three years through September 29, 2029. Only one award is anticipated, with approximately 1 million dollars awarded per year. The cooperative agreement structure includes substantial federal involvement, with ACL providing oversight, technical assistance, and performance monitoring throughout the project period. This funding opportunity is not explicitly described as recurring and appears to be a single-cycle competitive award. Applicants are encouraged to ensure compliance with all federal requirements and to align their proposals with national priorities for improving financial inclusion and independence among people with disabilities.

Align proposal closely with three prong strategy demonstrate measurable outcomes and strong partnerships and clearly address barriers to ABLE enrollment and financial literacy